Ripple CEO: Crypto Is No Longer Fringe Industry

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said crypto has moved firmly into the mainstream.

He has pointed to new data showing that more than 67 million Americans now own digital assets.

"Crypto isn't a fringe industry," Garlinghouse said in a post on X after attending a White House crypto summit alongside President Donald Trump, SEC Chair Paul Atkins, CFTC Chair Michael Selig and other industry leaders. He added that the figures show "the crypto voter is alive and well."

Garlinghouse was referring to the National Cryptocurrency Association’s 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report, which found that crypto ownership in the U.S. has risen to more than 67 million people. That's roughly one in four U.S. adults.

The report, produced by the NCA in partnership with The Harris Poll, surveyed 10,000 cryptocurrency holders and found that crypto is increasingly being used beyond investment. Americans reported using digital assets for payments, sending money to family and friends, financial management, charitable giving and business activities.

Interest in crypto is also continuing to grow among existing holders. Nearly two-thirds, or 63%, of respondents said they were more interested in using crypto in 2026 than they were in 2025.

The NCA also found that the profile of the typical crypto holder is broadening. Female ownership has increased 10% from the previous year, while 42% of people who entered the crypto economy in 2025-2026 are women, compared with 34% among earlier adopters.

Crypto ownership also extends well beyond high-income households. According to the report, 90% of holders earn less than $500,000 annually, while 23% make $75,000 or less.

The end of "political lawfare"

At the White House summit, CFTC Chair Selig said the era of "political lawfare, debanking, and regulation by enforcement" was over and argued that the next generation of finance is being built in the U.S.

SEC Chair Atkins similarly stressed the need for greater regulatory certainty for crypto entrepreneurs and companies seeking to raise capital through digital assets.